WELCOME

I am delighted to welcome you to the latest programme for our upcoming season. Inside these pages, you will discover a diverse and inclusive array of events which promises to engage, entertain, and provoke thought.

From stage to screen, to our visual arts exhibitions, that will stir your imagination, we have brought you a program that reflects the diversity of the arts. Whether you are a regular, or new visitor to The Courtyard, there is something here for everyone.

I encourage you to browse through the brochure, mark your calendars, and join us for a memorable experience at your amazing arts centre. The Courtyard is more than just a venue; it is a place where community is at the heart of everything we do, where connections are forged, and experiences are shared.

The Courtyard is a community hub and we are here for everyone to enjoy. So, why not join us and experience the thrill, and magic, of live performances or enrol in one, or more, of the many classes that take place every week at The Courtyard. We have an array of events, film, classes and exhibitions for you to enjoy so, make The Courtyard your regular ‘go to’. There is also a fabulous Café Bar. Come and join us for bite to eat at lunch time, or a pre-show meal. Look out for our special dining experiences such as our Supper Serenades or Bottomless Small Plates. Whatever your interests, The Courtyard is sure to delight.

I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone that supports The Courtyard, we couldn’t do it without you. And, for anyone that hasn’t yet been to this fabulous venue, come and join us, I promise you won’t be disappointed.

I look forward to welcoming you to The Courtyard.

Very best wishes,

Ian Archer, Chief Executive and Artistic Director

Give the gift of an experience to remember!

Courtyard Gift Vouchers make the ultimate present for theatre or cinema fans. You can buy them in person, or online and get them emailed straight to their inbox on the day of your choice!

Box Office 01432 340555 courtyard.org.uk/gift-vouchers

pay what you decide NEW!

We are delighted to be introducing Pay What You Decide at The Courtyard!

Pay What You Decide allows you to book tickets to a show for free, and then decide what you would like to pay after you have watched the performance. We want to encourage more people to come and see shows at The Courtyard, more often. Pay What You Decide not only allows you to pay what you can afford, rather than a fixed ticket price, but also removes the financial risk of buying a ticket for a show in advance without knowing whether you are going to enjoy it or not. This season’s PWYD show is on page 23.

How does it work?

Tickets are available to book in advance as usual, online or via Box Office, but there is no obligation for you to pay until after you have seen the performance. You can then decide on a price which you think is suitable based on your experience! At the end of the show, our Stewards will be on the door to take payments via cash or card.

All money collected will help The Courtyard pay the artists who have performed, and we therefore hope you will give generously!

GIVE MORE, GET MORE

By becoming a Friend or Patron you will be helping to support key community projects with young and older people in Herefordshire, as well as helping us continue to be the cultural heart of our county.

We offer a host of memberships with something for everyone, whether you want to simply support The Courtyard, or benefit from some of our fantastic perks – join us!

courtyard.org.uk/memberships

As a thank you for supporting our charitable work, we offer members access to exclusive benefits, including:

Ticket discounts

Exemption from booking fees

Priority booking

Free parking (Patron level)

20% off in-house productions such as panto

Icon Key

£8OR£10 PAFRIENDS& TRONS DB

£8OR£10 PAFRIENDS& TRONS

AD ST

Audio Description available, please advise Box Office at time of booking

Relaxed Performance courtyard.org.uk/ relaxed-performances

£8OR£10 £8OR£10 PAFRIENDS& TRONS

AD ST

Dementia Friendly Performance courtyard.org.uk/ dementia-friendly

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HIRE

AD ST

BSL

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Professional or community company hiring the venue

HIRE

£8OR£10 PAFRIENDS& TRONS

British Sign Language Performance

£8OR£10 £8OR£10 PAFRIENDS& TRONS AD ST

Aged 13 or under? Get 15% off marked shows, £3 film tickets and pay no transaction fee

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HIRE

DB HIRE

Friends and Patrons are exempt from the transaction fee, get 10% off marked shows in the brochure and 20% off in-house shows

HIRE

Under 30 or a full time student? You can get £5 tickets for marked shows, £3 films and 20% off Café Bar

A £2 transaction fee applies per order. Members are exempt.

Friday 1 December 7.45pm

STUDIO THEATRE

A brief history of christmas

Acclaimed musicians GreenMatthews (with special guest Jude Rees of Pilgrims’ Way) present a festive romp through 600 years of Christmas music, songs and carols. Beginning in the Middle Ages and ending in the 20th century, A Brief History of Christmas is a whistle-stop tour of the origins of our midwinter festivities. The perfect show for anyone looking to recapture the Yuletide delights of fellowship, laughter and good cheer.

Tickets £16, Concessions £14 christmas

Comedy Clubs

Friday 8 December

Tickets £16, Concessions £14

Saturday 9 December

Friday 15 December

Saturday 16 December

Friday 22 December

Saturday 23 December

Friday 5 January

8.30pm

Sponsored by

Tickets £13.50

FAMILY

Saturday 2 December 11am & 2pm

Festive Family Rave

Family Saturdays Free activitypre10.30amat

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and what better way to get into the Christmas spirit! Full of bubbles, balloons and all of your favourite crimbo tunes... Dance your way in to the festive season!

Tickets £6

THEATRE

Wednesday 13 & Thursday 14 December 7.45pm

STUDIO THEATRE european Arts company Presents a christmas carol

Actor John O’Connor faithfully recreates Charles Dickens’ famous performance of his best-loved story. A Christmas Carol was the first public performance Dickens gave and the effect on the public was phenomenal. Come and enjoy a seasonal treat in the spirit of Christmas past, present and future.

Tickets £16, Concessions £14